"In a word, we've had enough," Nelson said, noting that rates have soared 80 percent since Hurricane Andrew slammed South Florida in 1992. "What we see today is an industry that is reaching too far -- and, in some cases, forcing people to consider selling their homes."

The state will deny rate increases, he said, unless insurers can show they're giving discounts for such items as high deductibles, installation of storm shutters and tougher local building codes.

The Florida Insurance Department is evaluating the state's top 20 property insurers to determine whether they give their policyholders adequate discounts. The study's results, which are expected next week, will influence the length of the freeze, Nelson said.

"Florida's consumers have been socked one too many times," said Belote, who faces a higher deductible and a 33 percent premium increase for his homeowners policy this year. "Insurers have gotten greedy. They're still clamoring for more."

Sam Miller, executive director for the Florida Insurance Council in Tallahassee, said Nelson is taking "a breather" to get insurers to address his concerns.

"As an industry, we'll try to accommodate him and cooperate with him," Miller said.